JAKATA - The executions of three death-row Bali bombers could trigger some mob violence, but a revenge terrorist attack seems unlikely, a terrorism expert has told Melbourne’s The Age.

Islamic militants Amrozi, his brother Mukhlas and Imam Samudra could be executed at any time over the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed 202 people including 88 Australians. 



Indonesia's attorney general Hendarman Supandji has said authorities want the trio put before a firing squad "as soon as possible" and before the start of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan in early September. 



Terrorism expert Sidney Jones, of the International Crisis Group, said police needed to work hard to prepare for a potentially angry backlash following the executions, particularly when their bodies are returned to their families. 



"I think they will be treated as martyrs, I think there will be massive crowds, particularly in Lamongan in East Java where Mukhlas and Amrozi are from," said Jones.

“I think it's less likely that we will see a terrorist attack in retaliation, simply because it's very difficult to plan an attack for a specific time because so many things can go wrong. 



"I think the people most committed to undertaking that kind of retaliation are on the run in a way that would make it difficult for them to actually undertake such an act."



But she added: "It's not impossible, it could happen. 



"There could be people in cells that we don't know about who could be planning something but I think the likelihood is not great."